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Venice and East Italy: Bridges & Magic

As the world's only pedestrian city, Venice is a sensory overload: from the mosaic encrusted Basilica di San Marco, to the Museo Querini Stampalia crammed with Renaissance paintings. It is, without a doubt, the most photogenic city in Europe. Built on a lagoon, Venice comprises more than a hundred tiny islands, divided by canals and connected by bridges. The unique construction and architecture gives the Italian city more than its share of romance. Explore the labyrinth of canals, wander the silent cobbled streets, marvel at the iconic Renaissance architecture and visit boutique shops and skilled glass blowers.

Glide on a romantic gondola tour to see the landmarks found near this hedonistic gateway to the Orient. From Venice, you’re within a day’s sail of the Croatian coast, or head south to discover the fabulous beaches and villages along the pebbled coastline. On route from Venice stop in Rimini for an al fresco snack at Casina del Bosco: enjoy some of the best and most diverse piadine in town, served with sensational fillings such as caramelised figs. Visit Ravenna, an UNESCO World Heritage Site with captivating mosaics, and the exquisite Basilica Sant Apollinare near to the village of Classe. At Bari in Puglia, enjoy the slow food and lilting fishing villages of this magical sun-baked stretch of southeast Italy.

When to go:

April – end of October

High season:

July – August

Highlights

1

After a day at sea, dock alongside the private island at JW Marriot’s GOCO Spa in Venice and have your treatment right by the water’s edge

2

Trattoria e Bacaro da Fiore (San Marco, Venice) is a chic yet rustic trattoria serving incredible Venetian dishes from local producers. During the Feast of the Redeemer try the castradino

3

Ravenna is an earthly paradise with museums and churches displaying a dazzling collection of mosaics described by Danté as ‘a symphony of colour’

Explore

Sicily: Folklore & volcano smoke

Sicily is the largest of the Italian Islands, separated from Europe by the Strait of Messina and lapped by the Mediterranean Sea.

Ocean Independence provides an integrated service across sales, charter, management and build. Our global reach and local insight mean you will have access to assistance wherever you are. Whether you board seeking a new thrill or with an ardour for the aquatic, you’ll return with a lifelong passion for yachting.